Best DSLR cameras in 2024: Our top picks of full-frame and crop-sensor bodies

Best DSLR camera: Image shows man using DSLR next to lake
The best DSLR cameras can still rival some mirrorless models. (Image credit: Getty)

You might be tempted to see DSLR cameras as obsolete, with some manufacturers are sidelining them in favor of mirrorless models. But it's a mistake to overlook them and many can give mirrorless cameras a run for their money. That's why we have rounded up the best DSLR cameras on the market.

Whether you're a budding astrophotographer who plans on capturing February 12's new moon, or a wildlife enthusiast looking to record the wonders of nature, DSLR cameras are a great place to start if you're new to photography. DSLR cameras are typically cheaper than their mirrorless equivalents, and there are plenty of compatible lenses out there. You can save more money by picking up one of the best used lenses for digital cameras.

Our expert reviews have put these models through their paces and, in our guide, we delve into the pros and cons of each model. We've also picked out cameras that are suited to specific purposes, such as astrophotography. So read on and let us help you pick the best DSLR camera for you.

The quick list

Best DSLR cameras 2024

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Best overall

Best DSLR overall: An absolute powerhouse of a DSLR that outperforms many modern mirrorless cameras

Specifications

Sensor details: Full-frame CMOS
Megapixels: 45.7MP
Lens mount: F-mount FX
Screen details: 3.2-inch LCD, 2359K dots
Max burst speed: 9FPS
Max video resolution: 4K UHD

Reasons to buy

+
Insane stills resolution
+
Blisteringly fast autofocus 

Reasons to avoid

-
Face AF not as sophisticated as eye AF
-
9FPS only possible with MB-D18 battery pack 
Buy it if

✅ You want a camera that can do anything: We thought this camera can do literally anything in any type of location, so if you want the best DSLR — here it is.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're not a pro: If you're an enthusiast with deep pockets then sure, buy it, but it's likely going to be too expensive and overkill for beginners or casual photographers.

The bottom line

🔎 Nikon D850 Just about the best DSLR for professional use without paying through the nose for the D6, the Nikon D850 produces high-resolution still photographs and records full-frame 4K video at 30p. Paired with high-quality lenses, it’ll give outstanding clarity to photographs. ★★★★★

We love the NIkon D850. Not only are we rating it as the best DSLR camera here on this guide, but we've also picked it out as the best DSLR model camera for astrophotography. And in our Nikon D850 review, we called it one of the best DSLR cameras you can buy.

We're not the only ones who think so, either. The D850 is commonly cited as the greatest DSLR camera ever made, frequently being chosen by professionals and experts. Despite being released in 2017, it's every bit as capable today as it was seven years ago, creating absolutely stunning images of just about anything you can imagine.

Its 45.7-megapixel sensor is still better than many new cameras today, and if you're planning on shooting fast-moving objects, you'll love its ability to shoot at 7FPS (or 9FPS if you use a dedicated battery grip). It's showing its age slightly in its buffering speed, which is slower than some newer cameras, but considering the capabilities of this monster of a camera elsewhere, it's a fair trade-off, we think.

Despite being an expensive camera, the D850 is worth considering if you frequently switch between taking photos and shooting videos because it also supports 4K UHD and beautiful 8K time-lapse videos.

There isn't a specific style of photography that this camera lends itself to more than others because, to put it simply, it can do anything. We reviewed the Nikon D850 and loved the astrophotography-friendly features such as backlit buttons, excellent low light autofocus and good ISO noise handling capabilities. It's also compatible with practically every F-mount lens, so there is a large selection of lenses to choose from to meet your needs.

The Nikon D850 is a camera you can take everywhere, for any occasion, and get the best results without worrying about the weather or dust since it is extensively weather-sealed; even the battery grip is protected from dust and water ingress. It would be happy in any of the best locations for astrophotography and skywatching.

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Test results
AttributesNotes
DesignExtensively weather-sealed
PerformanceInsane stills resolution & blisteringly fast autofocus
FunctionalityCan do anything, anywhere

Best for professionals

Best for pro photographers who need reliability and speed

Specifications

Sensor details: Full-frame CMOS
Megapixels: 30.4MP
Lens mount: EF (excludes EF-S, EF-M lenses)
Screen details: 3.2-inch LCD 1620K dots
Max burst speed: 7FPS
Max video resolution: 4K DCI 30p

Reasons to buy

+
Pro-level image quality
+
Excellent autofocusing system 

Reasons to avoid

-
Too expensive for beginners
-
Big and heavy full frame camera 
Buy it if

✅ You're a pro wanting a second camera: For full-time pros looking for a second or back-up camera that can produce stunning results, this is a great model to consider.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're a beginner: This camera is aimed at pros and enthusiasts, so if you're just starting out with photography you'll want to opt for something cheaper and simpler.

The bottom line

🔎 Canon EOS 5D Mark IV While it may leave a dent in the wallet, the Canon 5D Mark IV — with its addition of Wi-Fi, GPS and touchscreen features — is ideal for enthusiasts and pro photographers seeking an all-rounder that handles well. ★★★★½

The Canon EOS 5D range has been a long-time favorite of professional photographers. The first iteration was released back in 2005, with Canon releasing incremental improvements all the way up to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, which released in September 2016.

That makes this camera almost eight years old, but it's still very impressive, and it remains a preferred choice for many experts. Unfortunately, it's unlikely we'll see a Mark V, with Canon moving headfirst into the mirrorless space, but we think this model still has plenty of life in it.

The 5D Mark IV is often praised for its durability, with many nicknaming it the "workhorse" of DSLR cameras. Its 30.4 megapixel sensor does a fantastic job of creating quality stills, but it's also more than capable for capturing video too thanks to its cinema-quality 4K DCI videos.

Although we wish it had a tilting screen, the big, detailed rear screen matches the bright optical viewfinder, and accessories can be connected through USB 3.0, HDMI out, and headphone outputs. It also has a microphone input, a flash connection connector, Wi-Fi and NFC technology to enable wireless shooting and simple image sharing.

In our Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review, we surmised that, although on the pricey side, it is ideal for enthusiasts and pro photographers seeking an all-rounder that handles well.

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Test results
AttributesNotes
DesignBig and heavy
PerformanceExcellent performance in low light
FunctionalityNot a camera for videographers

Best for low light

Best for low light: Equally good at video this beast is perfect for astrophotography, but also excels at capturing fast action

Specifications

Sensor details: Full-frame CMOS
Megapixels: 24.5MP
Lens mount: F-mount FX
Screen details: 3.2-inch LCD, 2359K dots
Max burst speed: 12FPS
Max video resolution: 4K UHD 30p

Reasons to buy

+
High 12FPS burst speed
+
Astounding results in low light and astro
+
Large, detailed rear LCD monitor 

Reasons to avoid

-
Middling stills resolution 
-
Easy to accidentally lock controls
Buy it if

✅ You do a lot of astro: This camera is a low light master with a remarkable ISO range and specific low light capabilities.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're a full-time pro wanting the latest tech: With the advancement of technology over the past few years, full-time professional photographers would likely want to opt for a newer model with better capabilities. It would make a great second camera, though.

You're a beginner: While not quite advanced enough anymore for the pros, it's still overkill for beginners.

The bottom line

🔎 Nikon D780 Fantastic dynamic range, excellent signal-to-noise ratio in the high ISO range and intuitive and comfortable controls make this a fabulous camera to use in the dark and it performs well across multiple disciplines, not just for astro. ★★★★½

Another great Nikon camera here is the D780. It's an upgrade from the already impressive Nikon D750 and is designed for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts with a reasonable budget. The D780 has enhanced features compared to its predecessor. It includes a highly detailed rear screen with a massive 2359K dots and an impressive maximum burst speed of 12 frames per second, packed in a relatively compact size for a DSLR.

Because of its capabilities, this camera is perfect for wildlife, sports and action photography. It can shoot 4K UHD 30p video with 10-bit N-log recording and offers an impressive 12 stops of dynamic range. Additionally, it can shoot at 120 frames per second, which is great for capturing stunning slow-motion footage at a five-times slower speed. If you're looking for a versatile and high-performance DSLR, the Nikon D780 is an excellent companion.

In our Nikon D780 review, we called this DSLR camera a 'low light master', making it a great choice for astrophotographers or anyone who likes to shoot after dark. It has exceptional noise reduction, and its ISO range is extendable to 204,800. In testing, we shot some absolutely fantastic images of the night sky.

We also praised its excellent image quality, which alone makes this a fantastic all-round camera. It's a great choice for all types of photography, and particularly if you dabble in more than one specialism, you'll find that it offers pleasing results in almost any situation.

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Test results
AttributesNotes
DesignLightweight but feels substantial in the hand
PerformanceSuperb high ISO range and noise handling
FunctionalityOptical viewfinder great for traditionalists

Best crop sensor DSLR

Canon EOS 90D product image on a white background

The Canon EOS 90D has an APS-C crop sensor inside which makes it ideal for sports, action and also getting close-up views of the moon. (Image credit: Canon)

Canon EOS 90D

Best APS-C DSLR: The 90D shoots fast and with exquisite detail, perfect for sports, action or close-up lunar views

Specifications

Sensor details: APS-C crop sensor CMOS
Megapixels: 32.5MP
Lens mount: EF, EF-S
Screen details: 3-inch LCD, 1040K dots
Max burst speed: 10FPS
Max video resolution: 4K UHD 30p

Reasons to buy

+
Stunning all-round stills and video performance 
+
Analogue lovers will appreciate optical viewfinder 

Reasons to avoid

-
Buffer quite slow for 10FPS 
-
Only 4K UHD video resolution 
Buy it if

✅ You want more detail: This camera has a 32.5MP APS-C sensor which produces stunningly detailed images — previously the highest resolution of a crop sensor camera.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to shoot slow-motion movies: While it does have this capability, be aware that continuous autofocus doesn't work in this mode, so anyone serious about videography would quickly get frustrated.

The bottom line

🔎 Canon EOS 90D: A powerhouse of a camera aimed at enthusiasts. It produces stunning all-round stills and video and is great for shooting close-up views of the moon with its incredibly detailed sensor. ★★★★½

The Canon EOS 90D is a bit of a step down from the cameras above it on this list because it has a crop sensor rather than a full sensor. That doesn't have to be a negative, though, particularly if you're a fan of zoom photography: The 1.5/1.6x effective crop on images acts as a perceived zoom, making objects appear closer in your stills.

Typically, crop sensor cameras don't offer as good-quality images as their full-frame counterparts, but we've been blown away by the quality of shots from the 90D. It's a fantastic powerhouse aimed at enthusiasts rather than professionals. It's still a little overkill for beginners, but if you have the budget and are willing to learn how to get the most out of a camera, it'd be a fantastic place to start, too.

When the Canon EOS 90D launched, its 32.5MP CMOS sensor was the highest resolution of any crop-sensor camera. It no longer holds that honor, but it's still a seriously impressive resolution size that excels at capturing detail.

While having 4K DCI would be nice, the camera does fine with 4K UHD, which is more than enough for most users. It has an EOS iTR focus tracking system powered by a 220,000 RGB and IR metering sensor. Even if you're moving around yourself, this feature will help you keep moving subjects in focus. You also have the option to shoot slow-motion movies at 120FPS, though that mode doesn't support continuous autofocus.

The 90D has Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system, so autofocus won't be compromised even while in live view mode, much like a mirrorless camera.

The camera feels chunky and robust, with lots of space to comfortably grip and change settings simultaneously. We would have preferred it to have two memory slots, instead of just the one - there is certainly room for them - but we can't have everything.

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Test results
AttributesNotes
DesignChunky and robust to the touch
PerformanceEnormous 32.5MP sensor produces stunning images
FunctionalityWould like two memory card slots

Best introduction to full frame

Best introduction to full-frame: A solid camera that feels nice in the hand and boasts good weathering sealing for use in inclement weather

Specifications

Sensor details: Full-frame CMOS
Megapixels: 26.2MP
Lens mount: EF (excludes EF-S, EF-M lenses)
Screen details: 3-inch LCD, 1040K dots
Max burst speed: 6.5FPS
Max video resolution: 1080 60p

Reasons to buy

+
Small form factor for full frame
+
Good Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity 

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacking 4K video recording
-
Dynamic range could be better 
Buy it if

✅ It's your first full frame: It's no secret that full frame cameras are more expensive, and this camera would make a great introduction to full frame systems.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to shoot fast action: The maximum burst rate is 6.5fps which isn't enough for shooting anything that moves fast.

❌ You shoot video: While it's fine if you want to learn videography as a skill, it doesn't shoot in 4K, so you'll very quickly outgrow it.

The bottom line

🔎 Canon EOS 6D Mark II This is a great choice if you're looking for a reliable all-rounder and a good introduction to full-frame. It's good at most things, great for stationary or slow-moving subjects such as landscapes or portraits, but not so great for capturing fast action. However you can find similar specs elsewhere at a lower cost. ★★★★½

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a benchmark DSLR for Canon. It can produce close-up photos of outstanding quality and sits comfortably between more expensive professional models and less expensive entry-level ones.

Photographers who like to push the limits of entry-level models can take advantage of the built-in weather and dust sealing features and benefit from slightly improved but not outstanding burst shoot speeds of up to 6.5FPS.

We called this camera a "reliable all-rounder". in our Canon EOS 6D Mark II review, We praised its ergonomic body and found its hand grip to be very comfortable to hold in most hand sizes. Its buttons, dials and thumbwheels are easy to get to grips with, too — and its vari-angle touch screen is a very nice addition too, particularly if you can see yourself composing shots from awkward or unusual angles.

While the 6D Mark II has some nifty video features, like the Dual Pixel CMOS AF which makes changing focus simple, and a five-axis image stabilization, we wouldn't necessarily recommend it for videographers, however. Why? Because its video resolution is limited to 1080p at 60fps. If you're buying a camera with video in mind, you'd be better off with a model that can shoot in 4K.

We should mention, however, that the camera's 26.2 megapixel resolution for still images makes it capable of capturing impressive 4K timelapses.

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Test results
AttributesNotes
DesignBody feels a bit clunky and plasticky
PerformanceGood low light performance
FunctionalityAutufocus not as good as competitors

Best affordable crop sensor

Best affordable crop sensor: This flagship DX Nikon DSLR shoots video and stills equally brilliantly, a great all-rounder

Specifications

Sensor details: APS-C crop sensor CMOS
Megapixels: 20.9MP
Lens mount: F-mount DX
Screen details: 3.2-inch LCD, 922K dots
Max burst speed: 8FPS
Max video resolution: 4K UHD 30p

Reasons to buy

+
Inexpensive crop sensor DSLR body
+
Wide ISO sensitivity range 

Reasons to avoid

-
Low stills resolution
-
Tilting rear screen sometimes restrictive 
Buy it if

✅ You want to push your skills: This is a great camera for improving your photography skills, especially if you don't want to venture into the realm of full frame where lenses are more expensive.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want high resolution: The 209.MP sensor doesn't produce particularly detailed stills, so if that's what you want you'll want to opt for something with more megapixels.

The bottom line

🔎 Nikon D7500: It feels and handles much like the full-frame Nikon bodies and only shrinks back on build quality where it has to. Overall, it's a well put together crop sensor body with sturdy construction and is comfortable to use for both beginners and those wanting to push their photography. ★★★★½

We've got our third Nikon camera on our list of best DSLR cameras, but it's no surprise when the company has consistently put out excellent cameras over the years. The D7500 is Nikon's leading crop sensor camera, making it an excellent place for beginners and enthusiasts to learn with limited compromises to the camera's capabilities.

The Nikon D7500 has a large 3.2-inch rear-tilting screen, which makes composing shots and shooting from difficult angles much easier. If you're an astrophotographer, you'll find the tilting screen particularly helpful. It's also touchscreen-enabled, which makes navigating various settings much easier.

The 8FPS maximum burst speed makes it suitable for some sports and wildlife photography, while the 20.9MP CMOS image sensor is more than enough to record 4K UHD video. This camera is also protected from the elements due to its complete weather sealing, which keeps dust and water out.

In our Nikon D7500 review, we liked the button layout, which we thought felt professional and made good use of the space available on the camera body. The large touch screen's responsiveness and ease of use also wowed us, as did the high ISO handling.

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Test results
AttributesNotes
DesignSolid grip, feels like a professional camera
PerformanceLow stills resolution
FunctionalityWide ISO sensitivity range